“force U.S. companies to
scramble for new sources of product, incur additional expenses, and
reduce their workforces to absorb added costs, with consumers faced with
potential supply shortages and increased prices at the grocery store.”

AFFI voiced its support for the petitions, one filed by Superior Foods
International, an AFFI-member company, at a USTR hearing held to
determine whether to amend the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP)
program. The GSP program allows duty-free access to the U.S. market for
hundreds of imported products from developing economies, such as Ecuador.

AFFI Director of Regulatory and International Affairs John T. Allan
stressed the need for USTR to take action to ensure continued duty-free
access for Ecuadorian frozen broccoli, noting that nearly 95 percent of
frozen broccoli consumed in America is imported with Ecuador serving as
a primary supplier.

A current trade pact that provides certain Ecuadorian products with
duty-free access to the U.S. market is set to expire in July, and may
not be renewed by Congress. Allan cautioned that the resulting increase
in import tariffs on Ecuadorian broccoli would “force U.S. companies to
scramble for new sources of product, incur additional expenses, and
reduce their workforces to absorb added costs, with consumers faced with
potential supply shortages and increased prices at the grocery store.”

“Obviously, these outcomes are undesirable, therefore AFFI urges USTR to
grant duty-free status for Ecuadorian broccoli through the GSP as the
best possible solution,” said Allan.

The American Frozen Food Institute is the national trade association
promoting and representing the interests of all segments of the frozen
food industry.AFFI works to foster industry development and
growth, and advocates before legislative and regulatory entities on the
industry’s behalf.More information can be found at www.affi.org.